One Mile at a Time [OMaaT] discussions [merged]
Dec 17, 2015, 1:31 am
#1382
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And while I think Ben still does an okay job, I was taking more exception with Ford's blogs. And I think Ford's blogs are substandard to more than just a "small group of fringe FTers." He's unqualified to write for that site and should stick to his tech recruiting job and living the fabulous gay lifestyle.
Dec 17, 2015, 5:09 am
#1383
Join Date: Jul 2009
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I have read Ben's blog for years, starting back when he was still in college doing mileage runs on UA on the weekends. I cannot argue that his blog has changed in the past year or so, and mostly not for the better.
What I will say, though, is that--especially when I first started getting involved in travel / points--I could ask Ben even the simplest question and know he would answer politely and patiently. I believe this remains true today and will make me a fan of him, even if I am no longer as much a fan of his blog (although I do believe he still posts a lot of content that is very useful). On the other hand, I have seen the way many newbies and their questions are treated here on FT, particularly in certain fora. There is no lack of self-centered importance, "unworldliness," or snark on FT, at least in my personal opinion.
Adam, while I enjoy your blog and appreciate your perspective, I would argue that even if Ben is not worldly by your definition, he knows enough about the world to run a successful business, make a living doing what he loves everyday, attract readers and public recognition, and perhaps even maintain a relationship along the way. Of course, I don't presume to know everything about the way the world works, and you may think me unworldly, but I don't think Ben's alleged unworldliness is hurting him in any way, whereas it clearly seems to raise your blood pressure
What I will say, though, is that--especially when I first started getting involved in travel / points--I could ask Ben even the simplest question and know he would answer politely and patiently. I believe this remains true today and will make me a fan of him, even if I am no longer as much a fan of his blog (although I do believe he still posts a lot of content that is very useful). On the other hand, I have seen the way many newbies and their questions are treated here on FT, particularly in certain fora. There is no lack of self-centered importance, "unworldliness," or snark on FT, at least in my personal opinion.
Adam, while I enjoy your blog and appreciate your perspective, I would argue that even if Ben is not worldly by your definition, he knows enough about the world to run a successful business, make a living doing what he loves everyday, attract readers and public recognition, and perhaps even maintain a relationship along the way. Of course, I don't presume to know everything about the way the world works, and you may think me unworldly, but I don't think Ben's alleged unworldliness is hurting him in any way, whereas it clearly seems to raise your blood pressure
As for FT snark v. Bens lack of snark, there's a good reason. Ben is making money off answering questions and throwing in a credit card link. FTers are not. Ben is a travel agent. FT is not. The comparison is inapt. Ft has also changed in this regard over the past several years because people like Ben have misled people into thinking that "you too can travel the world for free it's so easy" and they come here expecting people to make it easy for them.
Dec 17, 2015, 5:20 am
#1384
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I only raised Bens worldliness in the context of defending Ford actually. Someone was arguing that Ford was unqualified because of his income and life experience and comparing him to Ben, and I wanted to point out Ben is hardly someone I would say has really seen the gritty side of the world.
Dec 17, 2015, 5:32 am
#1385
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I only raised Bens worldliness in the context of defending Ford actually. Someone was arguing that Ford was unqualified because of his income and life experience and comparing him to Ben, and I wanted to point out Ben is hardly someone I would say has really seen the gritty side of the world.
Neither of them have.
Just like whether Ford is gay or not has nothing to do with his post quality.
And your repeated invocation of the term "the gay lifestyle " when it's been made clear that's offensive is really telling.
Dec 17, 2015, 6:04 am
#1387
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It's only been made clear by you. Certainly not the majority. And just FYI, it's not "the gay lifestyle," it's "the fabulous gay lifestyle."
Dec 17, 2015, 7:13 am
#1388
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It's truly sad that the question of Ben's sexual orientation even comes up as an issue. If Ben were straight, I'm sure no one would make comments like "expatiation on the straight lifestyle doesn't interest me."
Dec 17, 2015, 7:15 am
#1389
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Once again, my attack is not on Ben. It's on Ford who writes horrendous "blogs". I'm sure Ben has received this complaint many times and yet he continues to let his unqualified boyfriend write blogs. It's a terrible business decision and we are simply alerting him to this fact.
Dec 17, 2015, 7:28 am
#1390
Join Date: May 2009
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As far as OMAAT's personal life as portrayed by Ben and discussed in blog comments and elsewhere, he certainly muddies the waters as he discusses personal matters such as medical issues, solicits reader inputs on where to live/move to, and of course posted a pic of his dirty underwear and other clothes
Last edited by 84fiero; Dec 17, 2015 at 7:34 am
Dec 17, 2015, 7:48 am
#1391
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As far as OMAAT's personal life as portrayed by Ben and discussed in blog comments and elsewhere, he certainly muddies the waters as he discusses personal matters such as medical issues, solicits reader inputs on where to live/move to, and of course posted a pic of his dirty underwear and other clothes
Dec 17, 2015, 7:54 am
#1392
Join Date: Jan 2012
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As far as OMAAT's personal life as portrayed by Ben and discussed in blog comments and elsewhere, he certainly muddies the waters as he discusses personal matters such as medical issues, solicits reader inputs on where to live/move to, and of course posted a pic of his dirty underwear and other clothes
Again, if Ben were straight and posted about medical issues, or solicited reader input about where to move, or posted a picture of his messy room, I don't think people would be making comments about his "straight lifestyle."
Dec 17, 2015, 8:18 am
#1393
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,512
"Offensive" is a very subjective and personal term. Unfortunately, it's reached the point in this country where someone somewhere is going to be "offended" by something. Seriously, it's time for everyone to thicken their skin. A favorite saying I still remember from childhood is spot-on," Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me."
Dec 17, 2015, 8:43 am
#1394
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
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"Offensive" is a very subjective and personal term. Unfortunately, it's reached the point in this country where someone somewhere is going to be "offended" by something. Seriously, it's time for everyone to thicken their skin. A favorite saying I still remember from childhood is spot-on," Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me."
To take another example, if words were just words, I'd argue that groups like ISIS would not be able to use social media to do what they have been able to do and create a far flung network of followers that have taken hundreds of real lives all over the world.
